Charlotte, N.C., May 17, 2011 - As race fans flock to Charlotte for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wants to remind you that there’s an easier way to get to Charlotte Motor Speedway – let CATS do the driving for you! “The 79X Concord Mills Express operates from the Charlotte Transportation Center in Center City Charlotte to the Speedway and ends at Concord Mills Mall,” said Larry Kopf, CATS’ Chief Operations Planning Officer. “Fans can enjoy this quick, hassle-free way to get to the Speedway.”

Customers can catch the 79X Concord Mills Express on the Fourth Street side of the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) at 310 East Trade Street. For fans attending the SPRINT All-Star Race on May 21, the 79X will operate its regular schedule starting at 8:55 a.m. Beginning at 12:00 noon, extra buses will be added so that the service will run directly from Center City Charlotte to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Buses will operate every 20 minutes until 6:00 p.m.

For fans attending the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29, the 79X will begin service at 12:00 noon and will operate every 20 minutes until 6:00 p.m.

Service for both race events will include the 79X making a loop uptown and stopping near the NASCAR Hall of Fame and major hotels on Martin Luther King Boulevard, McDowell Street, 4th Street, College Street and Trade Street before departing to the Speedway.
Customers may also park at one of seven LYNX park and ride locations and ride the LYNX Blue Line into Center City Charlotte. Customers riding the LYNX Blue Line should exit at the CTC/Arena Station and walk downstairs to the Fourth Street side of the Charlotte Transportation Center to catch the 79X Concord Mills Express.

Fare for the 79X Concord Mills Express is $7 round trip. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and be picked up at the Charlotte Transportation Center. You can also purchase your tickets at the Charlotte Transportation Center before getting on the bus. Customers choosing to pay onboard the bus will need to have exact fare. Passengers may bring small coolers that fit in their laps, but no eating or drinking is permitted onboard the bus. Both drop-off and pick-up locations at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be near the track’s main entrance. After the checkered flag, buses will line up and wait for passengers to take them back to Center City Charlotte.

To learn more about CATS and its services, visit www.ridetransit.org or call 704-336-7433.